Commencement Speaker: Develop your talents and lead a life of service

Buffalo, New York – May 18, 2013 – D’Youville College graduated approximately 700 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students at their 105th annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18 at Kleinhans Music Hall. (More than 450 students walked across the stage.)

Dr. M. Eileen Schmitt, M.D., a member of the D’Youville Class of 1968 and the commencement speaker, told the students they were getting a degree from a great college and “this is a day you will never forget.”

Referring to the Chinese spiritual master Lao-Tzu and the Tao-de-Ching 'Book of the Way', she challenged the graduates to lead a life filled with “three treasures mentioned in the Book: mercy, frugality and humility. They will enable you to live a fully integrated life,” she said.

Dr. Schmitt pointed out St. Marguerite d’Youville, who founded the Grey Nuns and for whom the college is named, was a model of mercy, frugality and humility.

“Compassion is what life is all about,” she told the audience.

She urged the graduates not to forget about their family, friends, professors and “the people you will touch in life.”

Referring to the Chinese philosopher, Lao-Tzu’s famous quotation “A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step” she said, “today you begin your journey.” “Everyday is full of change,” she said and urged the graduates to “develop your talents and lead a life of service with compassion and generosity.”

The student salutatory address was delivered by Shelley deRooy, a doctor of physical therapy graduate and the recipient of the department’s 2013 Service and Leadership Award. She is a native of Lunenberg, Ontario.

Dr. Schmitt received her master’s degree from the University at Buffalo and her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania.

She served as CEO of St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington where she also was president of the medical staff. She was director of St. Clare Medical Outreach and was the medical director of Parkview Nursing Home in that city. She also was a volunteer for medical students and residents.

“D’Youville is proud of our student’s academic accomplishments and especially their commitment to service. We know they will make significant and transforming accomplishments during their lifetime and they are well prepared to meet the challenges they will face,” says Sister Denise A. Roche, GNSH, D’Youville president.

A number of representatives from D’Youville’s Class of 1963 attended the commencement as special guests.

The college’s traditional Baccalaureate Interfaith Hooding Ceremony was held Friday evening before commencement.

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D'Youville College is an independent Catholic college located in Buffalo, New York. Founded by the Grey Nuns in 1908, the college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and other accrediting agencies.